Emperor Richū
The 17th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw early administrative developments.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Emperor Richū
- Role / Field:
- The 17th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw early administrative developments.
- Born:
- 336
- Died:
- 405
- Century / Era:
- 336s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Richū (履中天皇, Richū-tennō), also known as Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto (大兄去来穂別尊) was the 17th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) recorded events that took place during Richū's alleged lifetime. This emperor is best known for an assassination attempt on his life by his brother Suminoe after the death of their father Emperor Nintoku. Although no firm dates can be assigned to his life, Richū's brief reign is conventionally considered to have been from 400 to 405. During his reign local recorders were allegedly appointed for the first time in various provinces, a royal treasury was established, and court waitresses (Uneme) first appeared.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Richū had both a wife and a concubine during his lifetime which bore him 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). None of his children would inherit the throne as Richū appointed the title of crown prince to his other brother Mizuhawake. Richū allegedly died sometime in 405 at the age of 70, and his brother Mizuhawake was crowned as Emperor Hanzei in the following year. While the location of Richū's grave is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Richū" were used by later generations to describe him.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
There is also a general consensus that Richū was not a legendary figure. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Richū is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. These records state that Richū was born to Princess Iwa (磐之媛命, Iwa no hime no Mikoto) sometime in 336 AD, and was given the name Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto (大兄去来穂別尊).
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Richū
True or False: “Did the historical records definitively prove that local recorders were appointed during Emperor Richū's time?”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Modern historians generally agree that while these developments occurred, the precise dating and attribution of innovations like local recorders remain subjects of scholarly debate.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Arius — Contemporary (Died in 336) (336): Cyrenaic presbyter whose teachings initiated the Arian controversy regarding the nature of Christ.
- Emperor Hanzei — Contemporary (Born in 336) (336): Legendary 18th Emperor of Japan, whose reign is recorded in ancient chronicles.
- Gregory of Nyssa — Contemporary figure (Born in 335) (335): A pivotal 4th-century theologian, bishop, and scholar of the Trinity.
- Pope Sylvester I — Contemporary figure (Died in 335) (335): Bishop of Rome during a transformative era for the Western Church.
- Constantine the Great — Contemporary figure (Died in 337) (337): Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity and founded Constantinople.
- Lushan Huiyuan — Contemporary figure (Born in 334) (334): Founding figure of Pure Land Buddhism, known for the White Lotus Society.
- Fu Jian (337–385) — Contemporary figure (Born in 338) (338): Heavenly King of Great Qin, who briefly unified Northern China before his fall.
- Ambrose — Contemporary figure (Born in 339) (339): Influential Christian theologian, statesman, and Bishop of Milan in the 4th century.
- Eusebius — Contemporary figure (Died in 340) (340): Pioneering Christian historian, exegete, and scholar of late antiquity.
- Faxian — Contemporary figure (Born in 340) (340): Pioneering Buddhist pilgrim whose records shaped East Asian understanding of Indian Buddhism.
- 336 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 336
- 405 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 405
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Richū
Who was Emperor Richū and what are their primary contributions?
The 17th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw early administrative developments. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Richū (履中天皇, Richū-tennō), also known as Ōenoizahowake no Mikoto (大兄去来穂別尊) was the 17th Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) recorded events that took place during Richū's alleged lifetime. This emperor is best known for an assassination attempt on his life by his brother Suminoe after the death of their father Emperor Nintoku. Although no firm dates can be assigned to his life, Richū's brief reign is conventionally considered to have been from 400 to 405. During his reign local recorders were allegedly appointed for the first time in various provinces, a royal treasury was established, and court waitresses (Uneme) first appeared.
When was Emperor Richū born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Richū was born on 336 and passed away on 405. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 336 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Richū?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia